The main purpose of the HSWG is to act as a coordination forum between the PA and donors. It serves as a platform for discussing policy priorities, progress in implementation of the health- related programs of the PA National Plans and monitoring of the health sector. The main health sector plan is the Strategic national health plan 2011-2013.

The key functions of the HSWG are as follows:

assist donors in aligning assistance in relation to the PA National Plans and strategies for the sector;

support the development and updating of sector strategies within the framework of national plans and budgets;

carry out coordinated and strategic dialogue with the purpose of identifying PA priorities and the readiness/availability of the donor community to fund related programmes;

function as the main source of information for sector needs and achievements, donor funding and gaps;

support the establishment of a sector-wide approach and possibly a pooled funding mechanism;

The work of the HSWG is further supported the National Nutrition Steering Committee and the following seven Thematic Groups: the Pharmaceutical Thematic Group, the Mental Health Thematic Group, the Non-Communicable Diseases Thematic Group, the Maternal & Reproductive Health Thematic Group, the Health Information System Thematic Group, the Health Sector Reform Thematic Group and the Emergency Preparedness Thematic Group.

The HSWG reports regularly to the Social Development Strategy Group (SDSG) on a regular basis.

Membership in the group is limited to relevant donors and other institutions (e.g. relevant non-governmental organizations) who can add substantial financial or analytical value, as well as relevant PA institutions.

Composition

Co-Chairs: Ministry of Health (MoH) and USAID Technical advisor: World Health Organization (WHO) Members: PA institutions: Ministry of Planning and Administrative Development (MoPAD) Donors: Austria, Belgium, Italy, Office of the European Union Representative (EUREP), France, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), United States (US), World Bank NGOs: Health Work Committee (HWC), Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) Observers: Canada, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) Secretariat: Local Aid Coordination Secretariat (LACS)